Junior Kindergarten | Science Academy of Chicago

OUR CURRICULUM

At the Science Academy of Chicago, our Junior Kindergarten program provides a strong academic foundation while nurturing creativity, independence, and confidence. Our curriculum is designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare students for continued academic success.

MATHEMATICS

Our students are advancing in math, working a grade level ahead through the My Math curriculum by McGraw-Hill, building strong foundational skills while preparing them for future academic growth. The curriculum is aligned to Illinois Early Learning Standards and Common Core Math Standards.

Students focus on:

* Completing and extending simple patterns

* Sorting by attributes

* Identifying and describing 2D and 3D shapes and colors

* Recognizing and writing numerals 0–100

* Developing early number sense and counting fluency

* Beginning problem-solving and critical thinking skills

* Basic addition and subtraction

Through hands-on activities and guided instruction, students build confidence in mathematical reasoning and application.

Language Arts

Our Language Arts program focuses on developing strong early literacy skills and is aligned to Illinois Early Learning Standards and Common Core Language Arts Standards.

Students work on:

* Identifying uppercase and lowercase letters

* Proper letter formation

* Concepts of print

* Phonological and Phonemic awareness

* Blending and segmenting onset and rhyme

* Listening and reading comprehension

By the end of the year, our goal is for every student to build strong reading and writing foundations, so they are equipped with the literary tools for success!

SCIENCE

Junior kindergarten science is aligned to the Illinois Early Learning Standards and encourages exploration, curiosity, and discovery. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences while studying various themes and concepts:

* Weather and Clouds

* Seasons

* Plants

* Life cycles

* Habitats

Our science curriculum fosters observation skills, questioning, and creativity. In addition to classroom science instruction, students also attend a dedicated STEM specials class once a week. During this time, they expand their learning through STREAM-focused experiences, further developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Junior Kindergarten Social Studies is aligned to the Illinois Early Learning Standards and the Illinois Social Science Standards. Through various themes, students build an understanding of themselves, their families, and their community. Utilizing engaging stories, discussions, age-appropriate lessons, and hands-on activities, students develop an appreciation for citizenship, respect for others, and an awareness of the world around them. Students explore topics such as:

* community helpers

* responsible citizenship

* basic geography concepts

* Fairness and Equality

* Presidents

* My community

* Historical Figures

* Holiday Traditions

Through these themes, students are laying the foundation for future learning in social studies.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Our Physical Education program for the lower grades is designed to help students stay active, healthy, and happy while learning important movement skills. We focus on building strength, balance, coordination, teamwork, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Every lesson is filled with energy, encouragement, and plenty of smiles!

Art

Our art program inspires creativity and self-expression while introducing students to the elements of art—line, shape, color, form, texture, and space—along with key design principles such as pattern, balance, and contrast. Through painting, drawing, sculpture, crafts, fiber arts and mixed media, students build foundational skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Students explore art from around the world and learn about artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian and more. By studying diverse artists and cultures, students gain appreciation for global artistic traditions while growing in confidence as creative thinkers.

MUSIC

Music education is an important part of every student’s learning experience. Through memorizing songs and performing with their grade-level peers twice each year, students develop confidence, collaboration skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Elementary students, from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5, participate in a comprehensive general music program. They explore rhythm, melody, and musical expression through singing and hands-on learning with instruments, including Orff percussion instruments, recorder, keyboard, and selected string instruments.

Junior High students in Grades 6–8 may choose String Orchestra as an elective. This ensemble experience allows students to further develop their instrumental skills, work collaboratively, and perform more advanced music.

Our music program supports students’ artistic growth while fostering creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music.